Unfortunately, the Native Ojibwe language, Anishinaabemowin, is considered “severely endangered.” However, efforts are being made on a number of language revitalization projects and or language programs in hopes of keeping the language alive. Just like with any language, there are regional differences in words and pronunciations within the language. Keep an ear out for some Ojibwe words in Fish Lake and Forgotten Trail.

Roles

The Ojibwe had defined roles when it came to work done by men and women. Women were in charge of taking care of the home and the farming. They cared for the children and prepared food in addition to tending to crops and planting seeds. Men were hunters and would sometimes be gone for long stretches of time. Men also fought in wars against “settlers” who were trying to take Native lands and other nations to protect their families and homes.

Birchbark

Birchbark was incredibly important to the Ojibwe. Birchbark was used for a variety of things from utensils to canoes. The birchbark canoes were a signature of the Ojibwe since they would make them in different sizes and were much lighter than the dugouts used by other tribes. Scrolls were also made out of birchbark. The Ojibwe would write their teachings using pictographic writing, where they would use pictures and symbols rather than words.

Alliances with French and British

The Ojibwe had a close alliance with the French. The French would often trade fur with the Ojibwe, some French traders even married Ojibwe women and adopted their culture – from which Metis culture evolved. The Ojibwe sided with the French during the French and Indian War against the British. But, the drama between the British and Ojibwe would be short-lived as they would join the Brits in their fight during the American Revolution.